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Caring and compassion when the diagnosis is breast cancer

When breast cancer is in question, waiting for answers can be agonizing.  As the region's leader in breast cancer care, Saint Vincent provides patients with streamlined turnaround of mammography and minimally invasive biopsy and works with our surgeons to schedule consultations with patients needing surgery as quickly as possible -- all within about two weeks.  Because no woman should have to wait.

When a patient undergoes surgery and treatment for breast cancer, Saint Vincent is there to offer guidance and support, including the following:

Breast health navigation

According to “Oncology Issues” Magazine, a national study recently showed that navigated patients are 29% more likely to follow up on a questionable mammogram with breast biopsy and those who were navigated through their care had biopsy 33% faster. Navigated patients also have a higher five year survival rate related to early detection and more comprehensive care.

The Women’s Center at Saint Vincent provides a breast health nurse navigator to help breast cancer patients through the diagnostic process.  She also aids in finding solutions to obstacles such as insufficient and/or no insurance, overwhelming paperwork, transportation issues, language and cultural barriers, the need for child or elder care, inadequate health literacy and fear of the side effects of cancer therapy. To learn more about Breast Health Navigation, call (814) 452-7728 or email lbrennan@svhs.org.

The Camisole Caring Program

In the wake of breast cancer surgery, The Saint Vincent Camisole Caring Program offers something supportive, restorative and beautiful. The only program of its kind in the region, Camisole Caring provides attractive post-surgical camisoles with special pockets for drains and temporary breast forms regardless of insurance or ability to pay. For more information about this program, contact our breast health nurse navigator, at lbrennan@svhs.org.

The Pink Porches Project

Every October, Saint Vincent lights up the region in pink to raise awareness of breast cancer and honor those who are fighting the disease or have lost their battle with breast cancer.  Each year, hundreds of families purchase a Pink Porches 60-watt light bulb and light their front porches pink.  The proceeds from the sale of each and every bulb goes to The Saint Vincent Foundation to fund The Camisole Caring Project.

Mark your calendar to participate in Pink Porches in October!  Bulbs cost only $5 and are on sale throughout the month at the Saint Vincent Gift Shop and at the Saint Vincent Women's Center, 311 West 24 Street.